Endocrinology Exam Questions

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Myxoedema coma is a severe form of hypothyroidism that can lead to the slowing down of various body functions, including reduced heart rate (bradycardia). As the condition progresses and the body's metabolism becomes more depressed, one of the compensatory mechanisms is an increase in heart rate (tachycardia) to try to maintain adequate tissue perfusion. Therefore, tachycardia is a characteristic feature of myxoedema coma, rather than hypertension or euthermia which are not typically associated with this condition. Hypoventilation is also a common feature of myxoedema coma due to the decreased metabolic rate and respiratory drive.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Increased serum aldosterone level is typically associated with conditions such as Conn's syndrome or primary hyperaldosteronism. These conditions lead to an excess of aldosterone, which results in increased sodium resorption and potassium excretion by the kidneys. This imbalance can lead to hypertension (Choice A), hypernatraernia (elevated sodium level) (Choice B), and hypokalaemia (low potassium level) (Choice C). However, metabolic acidosis (Choice D) is not directly associated with increased aldosterone levels. Instead, metabolic acidosis may be seen in conditions like renal tubular acidosis or diabetic ketoacidosis.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH), there is excessive secretion of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) leading to increased water reabsorption in the kidney tubules. This results in dilutional hyponatremia because the amount of water reabsorbed is greater than the electrolytes, such as sodium, leading to a relative decrease in their concentration in the blood. As a result, hyponatremia occurs in SIADH, contributing to symptoms such as nausea, confusion, and seizures due to the imbalance in electrolytes.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Primary hyperaldosteronism, also known as Conn's syndrome, is characterized by excessive production of aldosterone by the adrenal glands, leading to increased sodium reabsorption and potassium excretion in the kidneys. The typical features of primary hyperaldosteronism include hypertension (often systolic), hypokalemia, metabolic alkalosis, and oedema due to sodium retention. Paraesthesia, which refers to abnormal sensations such as tingling or numbness, is not a common feature associated with primary hyperaldosteronism.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Myxoedema refers to severe hypothyroidism which can lead to neurological manifestations. The correct features associated with myxoedema include delayed relaxation of ankle jerk (Choice A), hypertonia (Choice C), and bradylalia (Choice D). Cerebellar ataxia, which involves incoordination and balance issues due to dysfunction of the cerebellum, is not a typical neurological feature seen in myxoedema.